Doncaster woman overjoyed to be reunited with stolen foul-mouthed parrot

A Doncaster woman who had her foul-mouthed parrot stolen during a break-in is overjoyed to be reunited with him - thanks to Free Press readers.

When raiders broke in to Lynsey Toomer’s shed at her property in Willow Bridge Lane, Braithwaite and made away with a number of items including a Kawasaki ZXR1100 motorbike and a mountain bike - the Toomer family were the most upset about their African grey parrot, Harley, being stolen.

The 15-year-old parrot, whose distinguishing features includes a penchant for swearing, was spending its last few days of the year in an aviary in Lynsey’s shed, before being transferred into the house in time for the cold weather when Harley was stolen between 8pm on September 15 and 5am on September 16.

After the Doncaster Free Press put out an appeal to members of the public to find the beloved parrot - hundreds of our readers shared the story online and thousands of people across the borough viewed Harley’s picture and his description.

And now - The Free Press is pleased to report that Harley has been reunited with Lynsey and her family after being found in a tree in Stainforth by one of our readers.

The Oldfield Crescent resident, known only as ‘John’ found Harley near to his home.

“We’re all so happy,” Mrs Toomer said.

She explained: “He said he saw harley in his garden through his bedroom window on Tuesday.

“He walked down into his garden and he flew straight onto his shoulder.

“He took him in, said he was starving and thirsty.

“He was a bit concerned as to how I could prove he was mine, but as soon as he saw Harley with me kissing and cuddling he knew it was my bird.

“We’re all so happy so thank you (to The Star) for your article it definitely helped in getting Harley back.”

Anyone with information on the break-in at Mrs Toomer’s house is asked to call South Yorkshire police on 101.